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Review
. 2018 Oct;35(10):1510-1518.
doi: 10.1007/s12325-018-0776-z. Epub 2018 Sep 1.

Current and Emerging Treatment Modalities for Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A Review of the Literature

Anna Theodorou-Kanakari  1 , Spyridon Karampitianis  1 , Vasiliki Karageorgou  1 , Eleni Kampourelli  1 , Efstathios Kapasakis  1 , Panagiotis Theodossiadis  2 , Irini Chatziralli  3
Affiliations
Review

Current and Emerging Treatment Modalities for Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A Review of the Literature

Anna Theodorou-Kanakari et al. Adv Ther. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this review is to present the current and emerging treatment alternatives for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), emphasizing the most recent use of idebenone and stem cells or gene therapy.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed at the PubMed database regarding the various treatment modalities for LHON.

Results: Treatment modalities for LHON include nutritional supplements, activators of mitochondrial biogenesis, brimonidine, and symptomatic and supportive treatment, but nowadays attention is being paid to idebenone and gene therapy or stem cells.

Conclusion: The treatment of LHON remains challenging, given the nature of the disease and its prognosis.

Keywords: Gene; Idebenone; Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy; Nutritional supplements; Ophthalmology; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

A. Theodorou-Kanakari, S. Karampitianis, V. Karageorgou, E. Kampourelli, E. Kapasakis, G. Theodossiadis, P. Theodossiadis and I. Chatziralli have nothing to disclose.

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